They are a bit mythic and spare, maybe, as opposed to being very immediate/lively/real. But unlike a lot of fantasy novels her books hold up well to repeat visits; there's a lot in them. The centrality of language is a big part of the attraction for me -- the idea that knowing something's true name gives you power over it -- as is the emphasis on the cost/responsibility that comes with working magic. Her mages would be horrified at the Hogwarts' students casual, profligate attitude towards magic!

And her dragons are some of the best ever: crafty, wise, ancient, powerful, almost alien.